Drifton teen excels as flutist at local, state levels, eyes top U.S. music conservatories

The Hazleton Area High School senior's passion for music propelled him to the rank of first flutist at various local and state competitions.

The 17-year-old Lennon, of Drifton, is woodwind captain for the Hazleton Area Marching Cougars and is regarded by high school Band Director Neil Forte as one of the most talented musicians he's encountered during his eight years of directing.

"He's probably one of the best musicians I've seen come through the program," Forte said, adding that he's directed hundreds of students. "His playing is really incredible."

Forte is quick to point out other qualities that go beyond the sheet music - specifically, Lennon's willingness to help younger musicians and take on projects that benefit the community.

"He's a really good kid," Forte said. "He's good with the other students and gets along with everybody really well. He helps the younger players, like a role model."

Lennon's success at the local and state levels could land him a spot at some of the country's top music conservatories, including Julliard School in New York City, Oberlin College Conservatory in Ohio, and San Francisco Conservatory of Music.

Lennon's intrigue with the flute began about 10 years ago, when he heard his older sister, Carolyn, practicing at home.

"I would sit in her room and listen to her play," he recalled. "I decided when I was in elementary school I wanted to play."

He's been involved with the school band since the fourth grade, but his interest in the flute piqued four years later, when a head injury prevented him from playing middle school sports.

"I wasn't allowed to do any sports or after-school activities so I picked up the flute," Kyle said. "I got to be more expressive in my playing. When I play (today) it kind of shows I really take it seriously and I don't take it for granted."

Playing, he said, helps to relieve stress but can become a burden at times, he said.

"It's a stress reliever, definitely," he said. "As far as academics go, it's kind of a burden sometimes. I have to miss class to go to festivals and everything."

Kyle gives private lessons to two students and has turned to music while performing a senior project that raised money for the White Haven Center, where his mother, Colleen, serves as a supervisor.

"Students would perform at a solo recital and all the benefits of the concert would go to White Haven Center," Kyle explained. "We raised about $400."

Kyle ranked first flutist at Pennsylvania Music Educators Association's district and regional levels, ranked first at National Association for Music Educator's (NAFME) all-state wind ensemble, a state event held in April in Lancaster that involved about 30 flutists, and ranked first for auditions for NAFME's All-Eastern Division, which will be held in Connecticut next year. Musicians from about 20 states participate in the latter of the events.

"Don't take music for granted," Kyle tells his friends. "It's more than what you see and what you hear."

sgalski@standardspeaker.com Q. What successful parenting strategy can you share with other parents?

A. When speaking with children, and trying to understand them, understand them through the eyes of a child - not as an adult.

Q. At what moment did you realize your child was special?

A. He was special the day he was born.

Q. What is the greatest challenge you've encountered in raising your child?

A. Trying to understand their outlook on things.

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